Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of against Wheat Crown Rot.

The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen , has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus effectively inhibits the growth of by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of , transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between and at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant's self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by against wheat crown rot caused by .